James Pressly White 83, of Statesville, passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 27, 2026, at the Gordon Hospice Hospice House, following an extended illness. He was 83 years old.

Born December 12, 1942, to the late John Albert White and Connie Brown White, Pressly lived a life defined by people, service, and a deep commitment to his community. He believed in showing up for others, supporting causes that mattered, and making a difference wherever he could.

For more than 50 years, Pressly served his community through his retail furniture, television, and appliance business. To him, business was always about more than simply selling something. It was about people. Over the decades, customers became friends, generations of families walked through his doors, and countless relationships were formed across the counter and throughout the community. He valued a handshake, a conversation, and the opportunity to help someone when they needed it.

Perhaps no cause was closer to his heart than his work as a Shriner and his support of Shriners Children’s Hospitals. Pressly devoted countless hours to helping raise money so that children could receive life-changing medical care regardless of their families’ ability to pay. Through his work with the Shriners, he helped make a difference in the lives of numerous children and their families—a legacy of service that extended far beyond his own home and community. He was raised in Mt. Moriah Lodge #690. A.F. & A.M.

Pressly understood that a meaningful life was measured not simply by what a person accumulated, but by the people they helped along the way. Whether through his business, his friendships, his community involvement, or the causes he championed, he spent much of his life connecting with people and trying to leave things a little better than he found them.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Julia Ann Jordan White.

Pressly is survived by his two children, Jay Pressly White and his wife, Diana, and Jennifer White Martin; and four grandchildren, Emily White, Jayson White, Abby Martin, and Austin Martin.

Those who knew Pressly will remember a man who enjoyed people, believed in community, and understood the importance of giving his time and energy to something larger than himself. For those who mourn his passing, we find comfort in the words of Christ: “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me.” — John 14:1 And in the promise that follows—that there is a place prepared for us, and that separation is not forever.

A private service will be held.

Memorial donations may be made to Shriners Children’s, Attn: Shriners Children’s, Processing Center, PO Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or to Hospice and Palliative Care, 2347 Simonton Rd., Statesville, NC 28625.

Pressly’s work here is finished, but the good he put into the world continues. May those who knew and loved him find comfort in his memory, peace in the life he lived, and hope in the promise that we will meet again.

Nicholson Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Pressly White.